How To Banish Dark Circles And Puffy Eyes for Good

These 15 expert-recommended products get rid of bags under eyes fast.

Just so you know: While Women's Health editors independently select all products we feature, product links may be from affiliate partners. That means if you buy something, Women's Health gets a portion of the proceeds.

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No one wants excess baggage—especially on her face. But actually finding out how to get rid of bags under your eyes can seem like a behemoth challenge. Thanks to long nights out, your period, allergies, or any number of common causes for puffy eyes and dark under-eye circles (even genetics!), it sometimes seems impossible to not look tired.

Regardless of whether you constantly battle to get rid of dark circles and bags or you have occasional bouts, the good news is that experts say you can get undereye swelling to go down. There are even ways to help strengthen the area to reduce future symptoms—all you need is a range of over-the-counter skincare products.

The best part about this list? No surgery or expensive procedures required. Dermatologists and makeup artists recommend their favorite, and sometimes pretty unexpected, picks for getting rid of bags underneath your eyes in a pinch and preventing them from returning the next morning.

Photograph courtesy of skyn ICELAND

skyn ICELAND Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels

“The ginkgo biloba in these gels reduces puffiness, while the proprietary Icelandic Complex contains mineral-rich Icelandic glacial water, along with arctic cloudberry and cranberry seed oils, which combat signs of stress and aging. Keep them in the fridge for an extra cool boost!” —Ashleigh Ciucci, makeup artist

“This is so much more than just a concealer. While most concealers merely cover up dark circles, Teamine works as a three-pronged medical skincare treatment, using chrysin, Brazilian ginseng, marapuama, and white lily extract to improve the appearance of dark circles; dihydroxy methylchromone (DHMC) and caprooyl tetrapeptide to help reduce to look of fine lines and wrinkles; and vitamin C, green tea extract, and troxerutin to brighten and soothe the skin.” —Michelle Yagoda, M.D.

Just so you know: While Women's Health editors independently select all products we feature, product links may be from affiliate partners. That means if you buy something, Women's Health gets a portion of the proceeds.

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“This is one of the few over-the-counter products that actually delivers results within minutes of application. Through a revolutionary biomimetic polymer technology, the gel acts as instant shapewear that tightens puffiness and reduces the appearance of crepey skin by forming an invisible film. The universal color correctives in the gel brighten dark circles that are commonly associated with puffy undereyes, and the active botanical extracts from green and white tea, caffeine, and birch bark will help to reduce undereye bags and fine lines longterm.” —Shasa Hu, M.D.

“This cream is a great treatment, especially after a long night out. Its caffeine content helps to de-puff the under-eyes, while its combination of Vitamin C, licorice, and white birch help to brighten up the dark circles. I personally apply this before any primers or concealers, as it offers an opaque, luminescent sheen that instantly lightens you up.” —Shereene Idriss, M.D., Union Square Laser Dermatology

“With age, sun exposure, and chronic rubbing, the skin around our eyes becomes weaker, leading to wrinkling, puffiness, and a crepe-y appearance. This cream contains retinol, the best-studied over-the-counter ingredient when it comes to stimulating collagen, which serves as the support for our skin. The stronger the skin foundation, the better its ability to minimize the appearance of undereye bags.” —Joshua Zeichner, M.D., Zeichner Dermatology

“This eye cream contains caffeine, along with retinol, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and stimulates collagen and elastin production to strengthen and thicken the skin. An additional retinol booster enhances its efficacy. The caffeine in the cream acts a vasoconstrictor, reducing puffiness and tightening the skin. It's also an antioxidant, so it prevents collagen and elastin breakdown. This is a great product that can be used by any skin type. That said, those with sensitive skin may want to use it carefully due the potency of the retinol.” —Sejal Shah, M.D., founder, SmarterSkin Dermatology

(Learn how bone broth can help you lose weight and look younger with Women's Health's Bone Broth Diet.)

Photograph courtesy of Nerium

Nerium Eye-V Moisture Boost Hydrogel Patches

“These patches are my favorite for under-eye bags and fine lines—there’s truly nothing like them. Once on, they don't dry up or drip all over the place. The gel stays cool and you can move them around to maximize the coverage area. I even flip them over and place them on the upper eyelid, too. They leave upper and lower lids looking refreshed.” —Vincent Longo, creative director, stylebookings.com

“These have become a staple in my makeup kit. My clients (women and men) love them and so do I. The patches help to reduce puffiness and darkness under the eyes in less than 15 minutes. They are great in the morning, or as a pick-me-up throughout the day. I also use them to catch eyeshadow droplets when doing a smoky eye.” —Min Min Ma, makeup artist

“I simply can't live without this product. It’s absolutely the smartest eye cream available. Not only does it reduce puffiness, dark circles, and laxity, but it's great for any and all skin types, is cruelty-free, and formulated without gluten, parabens, phthalates, and sulfates—an all-around winner!” —Jamé Heskett, M.D., author of The Well Path

“I love this product! Containing a special complex with powerful peptides and antioxidants, it helps hydrate and alleviate undereye puffiness, while also minimizing the appearance of dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles.” —Shani Darden, founder of Shani Darden Skin Care

“This is my favorite eye cream. It is all-natural and incredibly rich and hydrating without being greasy. The key to tired eyes is hydration. The more your eyes are kept hydrated, the less puffy, dark, and wrinkled they will be. It also smells amazing!” —KC Fee, celebrity groomer

“Although not a permanent fix or a long-term treatment, if you find yourself with an immediate need to depuff and you can't find any chilled cucumbers, Preparation H will do the trick. As a vasoconstrictor, it will provide you with a fast, but short-term decrease in puffiness. I would just recommend using a new tube!” —Heskett

“These eye masks are a must when it comes to getting rid of any fine lines or bags under your eyes before an event. They’re packed with hyaluronic acid, which helps hydrate and plump the skin—fast.” —Darden

“This cooling cream-gel masque is applied with a cold metal tip that massages into the eye area. It feels refreshing and revitalizes, de-puffs, lifts, and illuminates the skin. It’s also great to dab a tiny bit over your undereye concealer to create a brightening effect.” —Fee

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